After the Last Tear: Rising from the Ashes of a Broken Marriage novel Chapter 50

I didn't apologize.

Mandy continued moaning about her pain until Luke finally carried her downstairs.

Watching them disappear, I realized I needed to make a hospital visit myself.

Sleep had become elusive lately.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly when it started, but for weeks, rest had been nothing more than a series of fitful moments.

After melatonin proved useless, I finally conceded to seeking medical help.

The hospital was relatively quiet today, and I obtained my prescription quickly.

On my way down, I encountered Luke and Mandy – unsurprising, given this was the nearest hospital to our apartment.

Luke was carrying her bridal-style, their medication clutched in his free hand.

The scene drew admiring glances from passersby.

I displayed my prescription. "Just sleeping pills."

Luke hesitated before offering, "I'll have my assistant bring you some lavender. It might help with sleep."

He seemed about to continue when Mandy cut in, her voice honeyed and plaintive. She'd reverted to her practiced performance of pain, complete with that childlike tone she'd perfected.

The elevator descended steadily until, without warning, it shuddered to a stop.

The lights flickered once, then plunged us into darkness.